Carbonell Institute
Depression
Depression is a serious clinical illness that affects the brain. It's more than just feeling "down" or "sad" for a few days. If you are one of the people who have depression, those feelings don't go away. They persist and interfere with your daily life. Symptoms may include: Irritable or low mood most of the time. Loss of pleasure in usual activities. Difficulty falling asleep or excessive sleep. Big change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss. Tiredness and lack of energy. Feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing, and guilt. Difficulty concentrating. Slowed or agitated movements. Inactivity and withdrawal from usual activities. Feelings of hopelessness and abandonment. Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
Depression is a brain condition. There are many causes, including genetic, environmental, psychological, and biochemical factors. Depression often begins between the ages of 15 and 30 and is much more common in women. Women can also experience postpartum depression after giving birth. Some people have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the winter. Effective treatments for depression include antidepressants and psychotherapy. Most people get better more quickly if they use both. Low self-esteem is common with depression, as are sudden outbursts of anger and a lack of pleasure in activities that normally bring joy, including sexual activity. Depressed children may not have the classic symptoms of depression seen in adults. Pay special attention to changes in school performance, sleep, and behavior. If you think your child might be depressed, it's worth consulting a doctor. The main types of depression include: Major Depressive Disorder: Five or more of the symptoms listed above must be present for at least two weeks to diagnose this type of depression. Major depression tends to last for at least 6 months without treatment. (You are said to have minor depression if you experience fewer than 5 of these symptoms for at least 2 weeks. Minor depression is similar to major or severe depression, except that it only has 2 to 4 symptoms.) Atypical depression: occurs in about one-third of people with depression. Symptoms include overeating and sleeping. You may feel overwhelmed and are very distressed by rejection. Dysthymia: a milder form of depression that lasts for years without treatment. Other common forms of depression include: Postpartum depression: Many women feel somewhat depressed after having a baby, but true postpartum depression is more severe and includes the symptoms of major depression. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Depressive symptoms that occur a week before menstruation and disappear after menstruation. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Occurs most often during the fall and winter seasons and disappears during the spring and summer, most likely due to a lack of sunlight. Depression can also alternate with mania (known as manic depression or bipolar disorder). Depression may be more common in women than in men, although this may be because women are more likely to seek help for this problem. Depression is also more common during the teenage years. At the Carbonell Institute, you can find your psychiatrist in Palma de Mallorca, where Dr. Jose Carbonell and his team of psychiatrists and psychologists will advise you on the treatment best suited to your needs.
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